Unite reiterates call to ground Super Pumas

The H225LP and AS332 L2 helicopters were banned from flying in the UK after a fatal crash off Norway which killed 13 people. During investigations into the tragedy, fatigue and surface degradation was discovered in the main gearbox. It is thought the rupture of a second stage gear “likely” caused the Norway accident but the root cause of the failure is still not fully understood.

In July, the Civil Aviation Authority announced plans to lift the ban and a directive stated that “in-house” upgrades must be conducted if Super Pumas are to return to service in the UK. The European Aviation Safety Agency had previously lifted its ban in October 2016, but authorities in the UK and Norway had kept them grounded.

Unite regional officer, Tommy Campbell said: “Without all the details being fully known in the Norwegian tragedy Unite believes the decision by Airbus to reintroduce the Super Pumas is not only premature but it potentially jeopardises confidence in the offshore helicopter health and safety system. Until a full investigation is complete and the results are fully known the helicopters should not be brought back into usage by commercial operators. Our overriding priority must be the safety of all those working in the North Sea and until we have clarity Unite will not support the reintroduction of the Super Puma H225LP and AS332 L2 helicopters.”

ENDS

For further information contact: Tommy Campbell 07810157920

Notes to Editors

Unite recently launched a Back Home Safe 2017 petition which calls for a halt to the reintroduction of the Airbus Superpuma model into service and the permanent cessation of commercial operations in the UKCS until the root cause of the gearbox problem is found and a full investigation is complete. In just over a week the petition has received around 1,500 signatures.

Unite recently welcomed the introduction of the H175 Helicopter model as an alternative to the Superpuma, into commercial operations in the UKCS by helicopter operators including CHC. Unite claims this will offer some reassurance to members who make the journey to and from offshore oil and gas installations.